Album Review: Like Party Ippy Yippy Beatnik by The Planets
Released in 1960 under the Palette label, Like Party Ippy Yippy Beatnik is a quirky yet infectious dive into the Pop and Rock genres. With its unmistakable Rock & Roll style, this UK-based album from The Planets feels like a time capsule of youthful energy and rebellion. Written by Adams and Barnes, it captures a moment when music was evolving fast, blending catchy hooks with raw, unfiltered vibes.
The standout track, “Ippy Yippy Beatnik,” is impossible to forget. Its offbeat title alone grabs your attention, but it’s the relentless rhythm and playful lyrics that truly stick. The song channels the carefree spirit of the era, almost mocking the Beatnik culture while celebrating it at the same time. It’s one of those tunes that sneaks into your head and refuses to leave—annoyingly catchy in the best way possible. You can practically picture dimly lit coffee shops filled with beret-wearing hipsters snapping their fingers along to the beat.
Another gem on the album is “Like Party.” While not as wild as “Ippy Yippy Beatnik,” it brings a smoother groove that still manages to feel fresh decades later. The guitar riffs are sharp without being overdone, and the vocals have this laid-back charm that makes you wanna grab a milkshake and hit the dance floor—even if you’re just sitting in your living room. It’s got a vibe that screams teenage innocence mixed with a dash of mischief.
What’s fascinating about Like Party Ippy Yippy Beatnik is how it balances fun with experimentation. Sure, some parts might sound a bit rough around the edges compared to today’s polished productions, but that’s exactly what gives it character. It’s the kind of album that reminds us music doesn’t always need to be perfect; sometimes, it just needs to make you feel something.
Reflecting on this record, it’s hard not to chuckle at its absurdity. Who would’ve thought a phrase like “Ippy Yippy Beatnik” could work so well in a song? Yet here we are, decades later, still talking about it. Maybe that’s the magic of The Planets—they didn’t take themselves too seriously, and maybe neither should we. After all, isn’t life itself a little bit like a party… or a beatnik poem scribbled on a napkin?
